The band is in a growing year. The ensemble is relatively small this year, but the students are off to a good start. We plan to participate in various festivals throughout the year, both in marching band as well as during the concert band season. While the group is small, they have already demonstrated a level of dedication and excitement that is insurmountable. Mr. Garton is extremely excited for the challenges and growth the year will bring and is looking forward to an educational year.

The orchestra is off to a strong start. Nearly doubled in size from last year, they are beginning with some challenging music. The orchestra plans to attend various festivals during the spring semester and plans on performing in Page on a regular basis. Mr. Garton is ready for the challenges and enjoyment that orchestra brings and feels it will be a successful year.

Winter Guard International (WGI) is called the Sport of the Arts. WGIs host Regional and National competitions for Indoor Percussion and Color Guards.

Page HS Indoor Percussion is entering its seventh year of competition. Page has competed at the National event four times, winning the Scholastic A Championship in 2005. Page competes in Arizona in the Winter Guard Arizona circuit, the Rocky Mountain Percussion Association in Denver, Colorado, in the Southern California Percussion Association circuit in Mission Viejo, California and of course, they love to perform for their home crowd in Sand Devil Gymnasium.

The WGI season runs from January until mid-April, with competitions in February, March and April. All members play percussion instruments: some moving (snares, tenors, bass drums and cymbals) and some are stand still (xylophones, marimbas, vibes and auxiliary instruments). The group currently carries a roster of 25 members. The program goals are to continue to practice and perform with the highest possible standards, to mature musically and behaviorally, and to earn a score that qualifies for the Scholastic Open finals in Dayton, Ohio. Page is the first Arizona high school to win a WGI National Championship and we hope to return even stronger in the Open division in 2006.

It is no secret that music has and advantageous effect on the students intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. Music is the universal language that reaches into the heart and takes people to the extremes of life?s experiences. The guitar program has blossomed into a thriving attraction for students. The choral program is devoted to excellence. Choir is developing a reputation of versatility, sensitivity, and vibrancy. They are a performance group that seeks to bring together tradition and modernity to the ears of their audience. One of the unique ways this choir does this is by incorporating musicians from the guitar, band, and orchestral programs in their performances. Throughout the year the choir performs at festivals, competitions, as well as our seasonal winter and spring concerts.

The spirit squad is looking forward to another successful year. This year?s team is made up of 11 girls, 3 that are returning from last year. Although a very new team, the standards are still high. The team has already been to camp winning the Team Excellence Award, based on work ethic, teamwork, and positive attitude. This year the team is focusing more on the cheer aspect of the spirit squad including advanced stunts. The goal is still to take a pom dance routine to competitions. The A.I.A. state Pom and Cheer competition is scheduled for March. GO SAND DEVILS!